Liberal Outrage Over Ben Carson’s Muslim Comments Just Backfired In A BIG Way

The controversy stirred by Ben Carson’s response to a question whether he would support a Muslim for president has worked to his campaign’s benefit, at least in two important ways.

According to ABC News, both donations and the candidate’s following on Facebook have increased significantly since he announced on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday that he would not support a person adhering to the Muslim faith to be President of the United States. Carson’s campaign relayed that the candidate’s Facebook page has picked up more than 100,000 new “likes” in the 24 hours since the interview.

As reported by Western Journalism, the host ofMeet the Press, Chuck Todd, asked Dr. Carson: “Should a President’s faith matter?”

“If it’s inconsistent with the values and principles of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the Constitution, no problem,” he explained.

When asked if he thought Islam is consistent with the Constitution, Carson said, “No, I don’t, I do not.”

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“I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that,” the candidate added.

Mr. Carson added that he could support a Muslim candidate for Congress.

“Congress is a different story,” he said. “But it depends on who that Muslim is and what their policies are, just as it depends on what anybody else says, you know. And, you know, if there’s somebody who’s of any faith, but they say things, and their life has been consistent with things that will elevate this nation and make it possible for everybody to succeed, and bring peace and harmony, then I’m with them.”

Nihad Awad, the president and founder of the Council On American-Islamic Relations, said at a Monday press conference: “We ask Mr. Ben Carson to withdraw from the presidential race, because he is unfit to lead.”

Awad added that Carson’s views were inconsistent with the Constitution, citing Article VI, which reads, in part: “… No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”

Sen. Ted. Cruz cited the same provision, when questioned by Neil Cavuto on Fox News on Monday whether he could back a Muslim for president.

“The U.S. Muslim population is growing, according to a May survey by the Pew Research Center, which found the group represented just under 1 percent of the U.S. population,” according to ABC News.

When Carson’s campaign manager, Barry Bennett, was asked whether his candidate would apologize for offending Muslims, he replied: “Good Lord, no.” However, his campaign spokesman said Carson will likely reach out to members of the Muslim community.